Get to know Devon Harris, in our next entrepreneur spotlight. Devon started his journey a little over 4 years ago taking iPhone pictures with his friends. He later developed a passion for photography and wanting to start his own business, came up with the name DBShoots. He has since then shot for countless wedding clients, family shoots and more, all while developing his skill set in a small town in KY. Get to know more about Devon in his full interview below and let us know your thoughts on our Instagram account.

Where are you from and introduce yourself?
I am from a small town in Kentucky called Cynthiana. There wasn’t ever a lot to do here but me and my friends growing up made the most of it. Since it’s a one high school town we were all always together. 
I’m a 24 year old photographer. I specialize in weddings/lifestyle photography but that is not where my interest started. Growing up I would have never guessed that being a photographer is something I would be doing. My interest has always been in business, though. That’s what I went to school for but it never felt right. I don’t think i could ever see myself in an office setting for an extended period of time, let alone for the rest of my life. With photography I can do something i like to do, be my own boss, and be able to enjoy the business aspect of running a small business at the same time.

What got you into photography?
I’d have to say instagram and also having people around me/friends who had a camera and we would take pictures to post. We always wanted to have the most professional looking instagram pictures of ourselves lol. In college once I got my first camera, at least a couple times a week me and my friends who went to school with me would go around campus just taking turns shooting pics each other. I’d edit them extremely fast (before I had any type of professional software), and post. Once I started getting opportunities to make money doing photography, that’s when I really started to invest my time and money into it. 

Photo Copyright: DBShoots

What was your first Camera/Lens?
My first camera and lens were the nikon d3400 and the kit lens it came with. I used that for almost two years before I started taking photography seriously. 

Coming up, what struggles did you face as a beginner?
My biggest hardship I had, and still have is looking at people who have been in the industry for longer than i have been alive, and comparing myself to them. It’s a marathon, not a sprint and that’s something I have to remind myself. 

Which do you enjoy more, shooting or editing?
I enjoy both of them thoroughly. Shooting and interacting with my clients is always great for networking and just doing what I love to do. Editing on the other hand is really when i get to put the creative thoughts to work.

What do you do when you feel a creative-block?
Honestly, I just take a break from what i’m doing to recharge, then get back to it. Simple… but it works for me everytime. 

Photo Copyright: DBShoots

What was your first “big gig” and how did you land it?
I wouldn’t say it was a “big gig” but I feel like it holds more significance. My first wedding I shot was for a friend. It was a small wedding at the church I went to as a kid, no more than 30 people there. It taught me a lot about positioning, lighting, what lenses to use in what situations, etc. I was just excited that someone trusted me to shoot their wedding and it made me come to the realization that I wanted to keep going forward with it and pursuing more leads. Being a friend’s wedding it took some pressure off of me and let me learn by doing. 

What’s your current go to setup for clients?
My go to setup would be my nikon D750 and my 35mm lens. The semi-wide look it gives to photos has always been something that catches my eye. Looking to go mirrorless soon so the camera body is subject to change but the 35mm focal length will always be in my bag. 

Biggest goals for 2021?
Fill my wedding calendar. I do lots of other client work and things just for fun, but weddings are my main focus at the moment. 

Follow Devon on Facebook and Instagram
Follow DBShoots on Facebook and Instagram

0